Songbird/Seven Wonders

[dontlookdown]

Mixed feelings about Seven Wonders. It was for the most part, written by Sandy Stewart.
So that alone can make it a contender for one of the first to go on this tour.
It also has always been considered one of the worst studio vocal performances by Stevie Nicks on a Fleetwood Mac album. I know people love it, but it's not even close to an "essential" Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks song.
The arrangement on this tour sounded great but I sort of see it as a bathroom/drink break opportunity; and on this tour no song should qualify for that.

I wince when I hear it on Tango In The Night. (But I wince when I hear every Stevie Nicks song on that album). I guess for me, it's just not up to the standards of the rest of the set list -- a disposable Fleetwood Mac track, if there can be one.

The bigger mystery for me is why they cut Sara from this year's tour. Last year it was about as perfect as it's been since 1979. I loved the new arrangement and the weaving of vocals from Lindsey at the end. I think it was triumphant and I won't be surprised if it finds it's way back in the set list on the next leg overseas.

I'm not sure that the solo piano is the issue with Songbird. From a few youtube videos I heard, it sounded like Chris was really struggling with her voice at points with this song. Maybe they felt it was better to end on more of an up/energetic note.

I would vote for the return of Sara and Sad Angel. Seven Wonders can be put to bed for good as far as I'm concerned.

[Macfanforever]

I love Sevenwonders and glad to hear it live months ago.Songbird is OK.

I'm still shock that Hold Me did not make the setlist.

[seekerj]

Originally Posted by dontlookdown

It also has always been considered one of the worst studio vocal performances by Stevie Nicks on a Fleetwood Mac album.

By whom?? Lindsey wouldn't even let her rerecord the vocal when she realized she sang the wrong words because he thought that vocal take was so great.

[AncientQueen]

Originally Posted by seekerj

By whom?? Lindsey wouldn't even let her rerecord the vocal when she realized she sang the wrong words because he thought that vocal take was so great.

By me, for example . I hated it from the day TITN came out and that has never changed. I'm actually glad it is no longer on the setlist, even Stevie reading from a telephone book would please me more.

[Richard B]

A shame about Seven Wonders getting dropped. AHS made it popular again. On YouTube, I think the music video has more views than any other FM video since AHS. Go figure. I also liked it back on the Shake The Cage Tour.

Anyway. If she's bored with it, why drop it and not put something else in its place? Say You Will would be fun, especially with Christine adding something to it too. Even Sad Angel would be nice to hear again.

[secondhandchain]

Originally Posted by seekerj

By whom?? Lindsey wouldn't even let her rerecord the vocal when she realized she sang the wrong words because he thought that vocal take was so great.

I agree that it's one of the worst (embarrassingly so) vocal performances of SN on a FM album. She's had some pretty bad ones (Rock A little album) on her own, but this is her at her worst vocal excess phase.

[secondhandchain]

I never heard she sang the wrong words on Seven Wonders. Does anyone know this story? Is this why she sounds marbled mouthed on some parts?

[dontlookdown]

Since Tango In The Night, Stevie's voice has improved markedly on all of her albums and Fleetwood Mac's.
I've even noticed great leaps between Trouble In Shangri La and In Your Dreams. And also from In Your Dreams to 24k Gold.
So much more depth, character and control.
It's shocking to go back to Rock a Little and TITN now.
She really re-launched her career by taking care of her voice.
Now we need to get Lindsey to work on his.

[sywlindseyfan]

Has anybody heard if Chris is playing Songbird again yet?

[FuzzyPlum]

Originally Posted by secondhandchain

I never heard she sang the wrong words on Seven Wonders. Does anyone know this story? Is this why she sounds marbled mouthed on some parts?

When listening to the demo made by Sandy Stewart Stevie misheard the words 'all the way down you held the line' and instead sang 'all the way down to Emmeline'. After singing it this way it was kept in which allowed Stevie to receive a writers credit.

I think she sings it just great- when you say 'marble-mouthed' are you referring to the second 'well you know I'm sorry but...' ? I've always loved that part of the song.

So hope this is back in for Europe.

[johnnystorms]

I can't fathom why it's considered a "horrible" vocal. I think it's a great, emphatic vocal, one of the best she's done.

[jcalzaretta]

I saw this show 5 times - in full. Seven Wonders was amazing each time and was very well received.

[mottabam]

Originally Posted by dontlookdown

Mixed feelings about Seven Wonders. It was for the most part, written by Sandy Stewart.
So that alone can make it a contender for one of the first to go on this tour.
It also has always been considered one of the worst studio vocal performances by Stevie Nicks on a Fleetwood Mac album. I know people love it, but it's not even close to an "essential" Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks song.
The arrangement on this tour sounded great but I sort of see it as a bathroom/drink break opportunity; and on this tour no song should qualify for that.

I wince when I hear it on Tango In The Night. (But I wince when I hear every Stevie Nicks song on that album). I guess for me, it's just not up to the standards of the rest of the set list -- a disposable Fleetwood Mac track, if there can be one.

The bigger mystery for me is why they cut Sara from this year's tour. Last year it was about as perfect as it's been since 1979. I loved the new arrangement and the weaving of vocals from Lindsey at the end. I think it was triumphant and I won't be surprised if it finds it's way back in the set list on the next leg overseas.

I'm not sure that the solo piano is the issue with Songbird. From a few youtube videos I heard, it sounded like Chris was really struggling with her voice at points with this song. Maybe they felt it was better to end on more of an up/energetic note.

I would vote for the return of Sara and Sad Angel. Seven Wonders can be put to bed for good as far as I'm concerned.

I enjoyed those two selections on the 2013 tour. Would also like to hear Ms. Fantasy live at some point in the future.